The property owners initially thought they might need only a simple sketch showing the stairs and sidewalk.

Once the entire property was considered, it became clear that the drawing needed more context. The site contained several existing buildings, parking areas, driveways, paved surfaces and shared circulation areas.

Showing only the individual stairs would not explain how the work related to the buildings, pedestrian routes, vehicle areas and surrounding property.

Why This Project Needed More Than a Simple Sketch

A rough sketch can explain the general idea behind a small project. It may not provide enough information when several buildings, paved areas and access routes are involved.

For this property, a complete drawing was useful because the proposed work affected pedestrian circulation between different parts of the site.

The plan needed to explain:

• Which stairs were being replaced
• Where the sidewalk replacement would begin and end
• Which buildings were served by the stairs and walkways
• How pedestrian areas related to parking spaces
• How vehicles entered and moved through the property
• Where property and setback lines were located
• Which paved areas were existing
• Which portions of the site would remain unchanged

By showing the complete property, the drawing provided context that several separate photographs and notes could not provide on their own.

The Customers Contacted Us Online

The property owners found USA Site Plans while searching online for assistance with a site drawing.

They explained that several outdoor stairs and part of a sidewalk were being replaced. They also supplied photographs and notes identifying the intended work areas.

Useful information for a project like this can include:

• The complete property address
• An existing survey or recorded plat
• Photographs of every stair location
• Photographs showing the surrounding buildings
• Sidewalk length and width
• Stair width and number of risers
• A marked aerial image
• A hand sketch showing the work areas
• Contractor drawings or estimates
• Permit comments already received

Because enough source information was available, the site plan could be drafted remotely without arranging a separate drafting site visit.

Remote preparation does not eliminate the need for field verification. The property owner and contractor should check the dimensions and existing conditions before the drawing is submitted or construction begins.

How We Prepared the Lake Stevens Site Plan

The supplied photographs and project notes were reviewed alongside available property and aerial information.

The first step was to establish the overall property layout rather than immediately drawing the stairs.

The drafting process included:

1. Reviewing the property information. Available records and supplied documents were used to understand the parcel and existing development.
2. Drawing the existing buildings. The main structures were placed within the property layout.
3. Adding vehicle areas. Parking spaces, driveways and shared access areas were identified.
4. Adding pedestrian circulation. Existing stairs, sidewalks and walking routes were shown.
5. Identifying the proposed work. The stairs and sidewalk sections being replaced were clearly labelled.
6. Adding dimensions and notes. Relevant site measurements and project descriptions were included.
7. Reviewing the draft. The customers checked the building arrangement and work locations before the drawing was finalised.

The completed plan organised the supplied information into one readable drawing that could be shared with the contractor and included with the relevant permit documents.

What the Completed Site Plan Showed

The site plan showed more than the proposed stair and sidewalk replacement.

It included:

• Available property boundaries
• Existing buildings
• Parking spaces
• Driveways and vehicle-access areas
• Shared circulation areas
• Existing paved surfaces
• Setback lines
• Existing stairs
• Stairs proposed for replacement
• The sidewalk area proposed for replacement
• Existing and proposed labels
• A north arrow
• A drawing scale
• Relevant project notes

Clear labels helped separate the existing property conditions from the proposed replacement work.

This distinction matters because a reviewer should be able to identify what is already present and what is changing without having to interpret several overlapping notes.

Why the Complete Property Layout Was Important

Stairs and sidewalks are circulation features. Their location affects how people move between buildings, parking areas and other parts of a property.

The complete site layout helped show:

• Where pedestrians entered the property
• How people moved between the buildings
• Where stairs connected different elevations
• Where sidewalks passed near parking spaces
• Whether vehicle and pedestrian routes overlapped
• How the proposed work related to the property boundaries
• Whether the work was located near a public right-of-way

A drawing limited to the stairs alone would have left many of these relationships unclear.

Lake Stevens Site Plan Requirements

The City of Lake Stevens publishes a residential submittal checklist and a separate basic site-plan checklist.

The current residential checklist states that plans must be dated, drawn to scale and uploaded electronically as PDF files. It lists a site plan as a required submittal item for new construction, additions or alterations and for garage, carport, deck or shed permits.

Lake Stevens’ published basic site-plan checklist identifies information such as:

• Project and property information
• North arrow and drawing scale
• Property boundaries
• Existing and proposed structures
• Setbacks from property lines and easements
• Impervious hard-surface coverage
• Existing and proposed elevations when applicable
• Access and utility easements
• Vehicle and pedestrian circulation
• Parking areas
• Sidewalks and other public improvements
• Critical areas and buffers when present
• Stormwater-management features when required

Not every item applies to every stair or sidewalk project. The required information depends on the property, project scope and permit selected by the city.

Official sources: Lake Stevens Residential Submittal Checklist and Lake Stevens Basic Site Plan Checklist .

Private Sidewalk vs Public Right-of-Way Work

One important question is whether the sidewalk is located entirely on private property or within a public right-of-way.

Sidewalk on private property

A private walkway serving buildings or parking areas may be reviewed as part of the building or property-improvement project.

The plan may need to show:

• The existing and proposed sidewalk alignment
• Sidewalk width
• Connections to stairs and landings
• Nearby parking areas
• Building entrances
• Changes in elevation
• Accessible routes when applicable

Sidewalk within public right-of-way

A sidewalk located in public right-of-way may require a separate Public Works permit and additional construction documentation.

Lake Stevens’ current engineering standards state that a right-of-way permit must be obtained before work is performed within public right-of-way.

Public sidewalk work can also require:

• Civil or engineered drawings
• Existing and proposed right-of-way information
• Utility locations
• Street and driveway relationships
• Sidewalk construction details
• Drainage information
• Traffic-control information
• Public Works inspection

The property owner should confirm whether the work area is private or public before selecting the permit and drawing service.

Official sources: Lake Stevens Public Works Applications and Lake Stevens Engineering Design and Development Standards .

Lake Stevens Handrail and Guardrail Guidance

Lake Stevens publishes separate residential handrail and guardrail guidance based on the adopted residential code.

The city’s handrail guidance states that a handrail is required on at least one side of a stair flight containing four or more risers.

Its guardrail guidance states that guards are required along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, when the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below within the specified horizontal measurement area.

These requirements affect the stair construction drawings rather than only the site plan.

Official sources: Lake Stevens Handrail Guidelines and Lake Stevens Guardrail Guidelines .

How the Customers Reviewed the Draft

Once the initial site plan was complete, the property owners reviewed the drawing.

They checked:

• The number and location of the buildings
• The parking layout
• The driveway and access arrangement
• The location of each stair
• The sidewalk section being replaced
• The existing and proposed labels

Their feedback was incorporated into the final drawing before delivery.

Customer review is an important part of remote site-plan drafting because the owner and contractor are usually in the best position to confirm current property conditions.

One Drawing Instead of Several Disconnected Documents

Before the site plan was prepared, the project information was spread across photographs, written notes and descriptions.

The completed drawing brought those details together.

It could help the contractor understand:

• Which stairs were included in the work
• Which sidewalk section was being replaced
• How the work related to parking and access
• Which surrounding features needed protection

It could also help a permit reviewer understand the location and scope of the project without reconstructing the property layout from several separate images.

The drawing itself did not guarantee approval or replace structural details. Its value was making the site and proposed work easier to understand.

Information to Provide for a Similar Project

Common Site Plan Problems for Stair and Sidewalk Projects

• Showing only the individual stair and not the complete property
• Omitting buildings served by the stairs
• Leaving parking areas or driveways off the plan
• Not distinguishing existing work from proposed replacement
• Missing stair and sidewalk dimensions
• Not identifying changes in elevation
• Ignoring property boundaries or setbacks
• Not determining whether the sidewalk is within public right-of-way
• Failing to show pedestrian connections
• Using photographs without a drawing tying them together
• Submitting a site plan without separate stair details when required
• Assuming a drafted plan replaces surveying or engineering

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits for additional examples.

How Our Online Site Plan Process Works

1. Place your order. Select the plan option matching the required level of detail.
2. Provide the property address. Available mapping and property information can be reviewed.
3. Upload your documents. Send any survey, plat, previous plan or permit comments available.
4. Describe the project. Explain which stairs and sidewalk areas are being replaced.
5. Send photographs and dimensions. Clearly identify every work location.
6. Review the completed draft. Check the site layout, labels and proposed work.
7. Request reasonable edits. Drawing changes can be made within the original project scope.

The accuracy and usefulness of a remotely prepared site plan depend on the accuracy of the surveys, records, photographs, measurements and project information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do stair replacements always require a Lake Stevens permit?

Not necessarily. The permit requirement depends on the scope, structural changes, stair location, number of risers, height above grade and whether the work is part of a larger alteration. Confirm the applicable permit with the Lake Stevens Permit Center.

Does sidewalk replacement require a site plan?

It depends on the location and project scope. Private sidewalk work may be shown as part of a property or building permit plan. Work within public right-of-way can require a separate Public Works permit and more detailed construction documents.

Can the site plan be prepared without visiting the property?

Many straightforward plans can be prepared remotely using an existing survey or plat, available records, aerial imagery, photographs and customer-supplied measurements.

Can several stair locations be shown on one plan?

Yes. A single site plan can identify several proposed work areas when the complete property and every location are shown clearly.

Does the site plan include stair engineering?

No. The site plan shows where the stairs are located. Structural design, footing details, framing, handrail and guardrail details must be provided separately when required.

Do I need a boundary survey?

Not for every project. A licensed survey may be needed when property boundaries are uncertain, the work is close to a lot line or the city requests certified property information.

Are USA Site Plans drawings stamped?

No. USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Licensed surveying, architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering and professional seals must be obtained separately when required.

Will the site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. The City of Lake Stevens and any other reviewing agencies control approval and may request revisions, structural details, engineering, surveying or additional documents.

Official Lake Stevens Resources

• City of Lake Stevens Permit Center
• Lake Stevens Building Applications and Handouts
• Lake Stevens Residential Submittal Checklist
• Lake Stevens Basic Site Plan Checklist
• Lake Stevens Public Works Applications and Handouts
• Lake Stevens Engineering Design and Development Standards
• Lake Stevens Handrail Guidelines
• Lake Stevens Guardrail Guidelines

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, accessibility, zoning or permitting advice. Requirements vary according to the property, project scope, location of the sidewalk, structural conditions and current City of Lake Stevens regulations. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, structural plan, civil engineering or another professionally sealed document when required. Confirm current requirements with the authority reviewing the project.

Privacy note: This case study has been fictionalised to protect the customer’s privacy. Names and some identifying details have been changed. The site plan and principal project details are based on a real project completed in Lake Stevens.